By Our Reporter
The Abia State Homeland Security Agency has dismissed one of its officers, Mr. Sunday Ndifreke Essien, Service No. 26/0472, with immediate effect, following findings of serious breaches of the agency’s Code of Conduct.
In an official notice released to the public on Wednesday, the agency said Essien was found culpable of theft, gross misconduct, insubordination, and breach of public trust after a thorough disciplinary investigation conducted in line with its established procedures.
The dismissal marks one of the most direct enforcement actions by the agency this year and signals what management described as a renewed commitment to discipline and accountability within the ranks of the state’s security outfit.
According to the statement signed by its Management, the case against Essien proceeded through the agency’s internal disciplinary process before the final decision was reached.
“Following a thorough investigation, the officer was found culpable of serious breaches of the Agency’s Code of Conduct, including theft, gross misconduct, insubordination, and breach of Public trust,” the notice read.
The agency stressed that the infractions were serious enough to warrant outright dismissal from service rather than lesser sanctions such as suspension or reprimand.
Theft and breach of public trust are considered among the gravest offenses for security personnel, particularly for an agency whose mandate is to safeguard lives and property across Abia State. Insubordination and gross misconduct further erode the chain of command that security agencies rely on to function effectively.
The agency has directed the dismissed officer to immediately surrender all property belonging to the Abia State Homeland Security Agency that is in his possession. He is also required to complete the agency’s exit clearance process without delay.
In addition, the management disclosed that “where applicable, the matter has been referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.”
That referral suggests that beyond internal administrative sanctions, Essien may still face criminal charges depending on the outcome of investigations by police or other prosecuting agencies. Security experts note that such referrals are standard when alleged criminal conduct such as theft is involved, to ensure that dismissed personnel are held accountable under both service regulations and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In the same statement, the Abia State Homeland Security Agency reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on acts that undermine public confidence in the service.
“The Abia State Homeland Security Agency remains firmly committed to upholding discipline, integrity, accountability, and professionalism among its personnel,” management said.
“Any act capable of undermining public trust, violating the Agency’s Code of Conduct, or bringing the Agency into disrepute will be addressed appropriately through established disciplinary procedures and in accordance with applicable laws.”
The agency further assured residents that it will continue to maintain high standards in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“We assure the general public that we will continue to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and professional conduct in the discharge of our responsibilities and in the protection of the people of Abia State,” the statement added.
The Abia State Homeland Security Agency was established to complement the work of the Nigeria Police and other federal security agencies by focusing on community-level intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and rapid response to threats within the state.
Over the past two years, the agency has been visible in joint patrols, anti-crime operations, and community sensitization programs across the 17 local government areas of Abia. Because of its direct interface with communities, the conduct of its officers is closely watched by residents who rely on them for neighborhood safety.
The dismissal of Essien comes at a time when state governments across the Southeast are pushing for stronger internal oversight of security outfits to curb cases of extortion, abuse of power, and corruption that have previously drawn public criticism.
As the agency continues its operations across the state, officials say the focus remains on ensuring that officers who wear the agency’s uniform do so with integrity, and that those who fail to meet that standard will be shown the door.
